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Ifandbutwhynot back to best in Gerry Feilden

A CHANGE of tactics worked the oracle as Ifandbutwhynot benefited from a positive Timmy Murphy ride to run out a convincing winner of a race better known as the Gerry Feilden Hurdle.

Usually held up in his races, Ifandbutwhynot settled beautifully alongside Puffin Billy at the head of the field on this occasion, before gradually drawing clear up the home straight to score by four and a half lengths from favourite Chatterbox.

Lordofthehouse showed his mercurial nature when forfeiting his chance at the start, with Paddy Brennan deciding to call it quits shortly after with the pair trailing by more than 20 lengths.

Puffin Billy, returning from his summer break, started feeling the pinch as the field turned for home, where Ifandbutwhynot still travelled kindly.

Chatterbox and Chris Pea Green were the others still looking like they had more to give approaching the second last, where Get Back In Line unseated Richie McLernon.

At the last Ifandbutwhynot had extended his lead again and, after Irish Saint took a heavy fall, the 8-1 winner completed with something in hand over Chatterbox and Chris Pea Green ,who both ran well in defeat.

"That worked out really nicely because we thought there would be no pace on so Timmy decided he would make the running and the horse really enjoyed himself," said winning trainer David O'Meara.

The win was especially sweet for Murphy with O'Meara adding: "I’m chuffed for Timmy because he broke his wrist when falling off this horse in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April."